The purpose of this position is to counsel prospective and current students/families on all aspects of financial aid, scholarships, and student accounts, as well as participate in outreach activities and presentations to encourage timely completion of the financial aid and scholarship application processes. This includes in-person meetings, open houses, FAFSA Day, phone and email conversations, and other venues as required.

This position may also serve in the management and administration of scholarships to work closely with representatives of the College and/or department in the review and selection of scholarship candidates.

Additionally, this position will provide administrative backup for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including: Completion of federal financial aid forms (FAFSA); verification and professional judgment of students’ financial aid applications; awarding of financial aid on behalf of the University- including special populations of students.

This position will serve as backup for the implementation and management of a comprehensive student education program geared at student awareness of loan debt and the options available to them as well as default prevention, including but not limited to forgiveness, consolidation, forbearance processes, deferment requirements and requests as well as repayment options.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications for the Assistant Director of Financial Aid position include graduation from an accredited four year college or university.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference given to applicants with a Master’s degree and prior experience in higher education, specifically experience in the financial aid capacity. Experience with automated financial aid systems such as BANNER is desirable. This position requires a highly organized person with the ability to multitask. Strong customer service background is a must with excellent oral and written communication skills.

Position Type Permanent Full-Time Number of Hours Per Week 40 Number of Months Per Year 12 Posting Text

Open Date 03/07/2019 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Hard-copy application materials will not be considered. Application must be made online. Review of applications will begin immediately. Please attach a cover letter, current professional resume, and a list of three references (include complete contact information – telephone numbers). For more information, please contact Matthew Ellsworth at 828-227-7290.

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

AA/EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, and veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.

Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at [email protected]

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 114 Scott, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7234) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.